Chamber sought experienced photographers

I am writing in response to the recent letter written by Stephanie Seaton regarding the Tourism Advisory Committee’s choice of branding consultants and photographers for the on-going tourism branding initiative.

The Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism’s Tourism Advisory Committee is a group of Summerland individuals representing 16 community stakeholder groups engaged in the tourism industry.

At this time the TAC is working with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association on a branding initiative that also includes a comprehensive image bank of iconic Summerland scenes.

The project is co-funded by TOTA, SCEDT and the District of Summerland and is one of two branding initiatives underway in the region that will reflect the newly released 10-year Thompson Okanagan Tourism Strategy.

The Requests for Proposals were quite specific in terms of the specialized experience required to apply on the project given that this pilot is one that will establish best practises to assist in the development of resources for other regional communities.

The deadline for applications was also quite specific.

Applicants who had the required experience and who met the RFP deadline were shortlisted.

The TAC met on Oct. 10 to review the proposals and portfolios of shortlisted applicants and made their selections.

Three of the winning proponents are from within the region and one proponent is a Summerland photographer who has done an excellent job.

As an extension of her unfounded complaints, Ms. Seaton has implied that the chamber does not buy local.

As vice-president of the chamber board, I can state with confidence that more than 90 per cent of the chamber’s annual budget is spent in Summerland. Local retailers, printers, sign makers, restaurants, caterers, consultants, handy men, roofers, etc., as well as our four local staff persons can attest to this.